Beverage mixing system and method

ABSTRACT

A beverage mixing system/method allowing faster mixing/blending of frozen beverages is disclosed. The system/method in various embodiments utilizes inductive coupling to introduce heat into the frozen beverage during the mixing/blending process via a rotating driveshaft and attached mechanical agitator to speed the mixing/blending process. Exemplary embodiments may be configured to magnetically induce heat into the driveshaft and/or mechanical agitator mixing blade to affect this mixing/blending performance improvement. This heating effect may be augmented via the use of high power LED arrays aimed into the frozen slurry to provide additional heat input. The system/method may be applied with particular advantage to the mixing of ice cream type beverages and other viscous beverage products.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Parent Application

This is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) Patent Application of United StatesUtility Patent Application for BEVERAGE MIXING SYSTEM AND METHOD byinventor Mark E. Goodson, filed electronically with the USPTO on Mar,27, 2017, with Ser. No. 15/470,566, EFS ID 287507045, confirmationnumber 4512, docket AGOOD.0106CIP, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP)Patent Application of United States Utility Patent Application forBEVERAGE MIXING SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventor Mark E. Goodson, filedelectronically with the USPTO on Jan. 28, 2013, with Ser. No.13/751,745, EFS ID 14803245, confirmation number 7151, docketAGOOD.0106, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,610,553 on Apr. 4,2017.

U.S. Utility Patent Applications

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and Incorporatesby reference United States Utility Patent Application for BEVERAGEMIXING SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventor Mark E. Goodson, filedelectronically with the USPTO on Mar. 27, 2017, with Ser. No.15/470,566, EFS ID 287507045, confirmation number 4512, docketAGOOD.0106CIP, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) Patent Applicationof United States Utility Patent Application for BEVERAGE MIXING SYSTEMAND METHOD by inventor Mark E. Goodson, filed electronically with theUSPTO on Jan. 28, 2013, with Ser. No. 13/751,745, EFS ID 14809245,confirmation number 7151, docket AGOOD.0106, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,610,553 on Apr. 4, 2017.

U.S. Provisional Patent Applications

United States Utility Patent Application for BEVERAGE MIXING SYSTEM ANDMETHOD by inventor Mark E. Goodson, filed electronically with the USPTOon Jan. 28, 2013, with Ser. No. 13/751,745, EFS ID 14809245,confirmation number 7151, docket AGOOD.0106, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,610,553 on Apr. 4, 2017 claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 andincorporates by reference United States Provisional Patent Applicationfor DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE MIXING by inventor Mark E. Goodson, filedelectronically with the USPTO on Jun. 22, 2012, with Ser. No.61/663,348, EFS ID 13087243, confirmation number 9979, docket GOOD,003.

PARTIAL WAIVER OF COPYRIGHT

All of the material in this patent application is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. As of the first effective filing date of the presentapplication, this material is protected as unpublished material.

However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted to theextent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure,as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods that mixand/or blend beverages and/or food products, and specifically tosystems/methods associated with blending frozen beverages including butnot limited to the mixing of ice cream and frozen and/or soft-servedairy products. The present invention may also be applied toimprovements to drink mixers and/or blenders.

PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Overview

Many restaurants, including “drive thru” or “fast food” restaurants,sell ice cream type beverages, such as milk shakes and malts. Thesebeverages are typically a mixture of flavorings, milk, and ice cream.The beverages are made by mixing these three ingredients according tosome recipe, and then blending or mixing the ingredients.

One of the drawbacks of making these types of beverages in a timelymanner is that the milk and ice cream mixture must reach a desiredtemperature and resultant consistency. Inherent in this process is thecomplete or partial phase transition as the solidus mixture of ice creamrises in temperature to approach a liquidus state. Depending onvariables such as the storage temperature of the ice cream, the ambient,temperature, the temperature of the milk, and the dwell time of themixing or blending, one can have a resultant beverage that varies in itsviscosity. The most common manifestation of this variance in viscousproperties is the beverage that is so thick that it cannot besuccessfully aspirated through a drinking straw. Instead, the strawcollapses.

PRIOR ART (0100)-(0400)

Exemplary prior art relevant to this invention disclosure includes thefollowing:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,881 issued Jul. 7, 1987 to John T. Griffith        for INDUCTION APPARATUS FOR HEATING AND MIXING A FLUID. As        detailed in FIG. 1(0100) and FIG. 2 (0200), this patent        describes how the simultaneous heating and mixing of a fluid in        a vessel with heated walls and a stirring device can lead to        excessively high temperatures at the walls due to the formation        of a thick boundary layer. This specification discloses a        stirring paddle incorporating a heated element and mounted on a        rotatable shaft. The heating element is connected in series with        a rotor winding mounted on the shaft so that, when the shaft        rotates, a heating current flows through the heating element.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,207 (GB 2,163,930/EP0473313 A1) issued Dec.        28, 1993 to John T. Griffith for INDUCTION HEATER. As detailed        in FIG. 3 (0300), this patent describes an induction heater for        heating a material which has an alternating current carrying        conductor 30 extending along an axis of rotation. Mounted about        the axis are containers 32 which rotate about the axis and hold        the material to be heated. A core 34 is provided encircling the        alternating current carrying conductor 30. The core 34 guides        the magnetic flux resulting from an alternating current flowing        in the conductor 30 to induce a current in the inner sleeve 38        between the conductor 30 and core 34. Current flowing in the        inner sleeve 38 is conducted to end plates 40 and 42 and through        the containers 32. The containers 32 are heated by the        electrical current induced by the magnetic flux in the core 34.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,312 issued Oct. 19, 2004 to Rand Capp for        FOOD PREPARATION APPLIANCE. As detailed in FIG. 4 (0400), this        patent describes a food preparation appliance including a food        preparation container and a base unit. The base unit includes a        stirring mechanism drive and a heating element. The heating        element comprises an induction heating element. The base unit        has a control panel for use in controlling the stirring        mechanism drive and the heating element. In one or more        embodiments, the base unit includes a processor and memory        storage device controlling the stirring and heating mechanisms        in a specific sequence and manner of operation. The food        preparation container comprises a specially configured pot        having a mixer which is removably located in its interior and        configured to be rotated with the stirring mechanism drive. The        mixer includes a helical central blade and an outwardly        extending wiping blade. The pot may be removed from the base        unit and used independently thereof.        While portions of this prior art is applicable to the food        service industry, none of the art solves the problems mentioned        above relating to the preparation of frozen beverages to a        consistent viscosity standard.

Deficiencies in the Prior Art

The prior art as detailed above suffers from the following deficiencies:

-   -   Prior art beverage mixing systems have difficulty in quickly        mixing/blending a frozen beverage to a normalized viscosity or        consistency.    -   Prior art beverage mixing systems are inconsistent in the amount        of time required to successfully mix/blend a given frozen        beverage.    -   Prior art beverage mixing systems may produce a final        mixed/blended beverage product that is too viscous for human        consumption.    -   Prior art beverage mixing systems may produce a final        mixed/blended beverage product that is too viscous for        consumption using conventional drinking straws.    -   Prior art beverage mixing systems may produce a final        mixed/blended beverage product that is too viscous for        consumption without using special (oversized, reinforced, etc.)        drinking straws.

While some of the prior art may teach some solutions to several of theseproblems, the core issue of improving the efficiency of frozen beveragemixing/blending has not been solved by the prior art.

Objectives of the Invention

Accordingly, the objectives of the present invention are (among others)to circumvent the deficiencies in the prior art and affect the followingobjectives in the context of a beverage mixing/blending system/method:

-   -   (1) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that        transfers heat to a beverage slurry, whereby the heat is        inductively coupled to the mixing blade of a beverage mixer.    -   (2) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that uses        both heat and mechanical mixing simultaneously in blending a        beverage, such that the time necessary to reach a given        solid-liquid state (i.e., thickness or consistency) is reduced.    -   (3) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that        transfers heat in a way that does not use nichrome or similar        heating elements, which are subject to failure.    -   (4) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that induces        heat directly to the mixing blade, such that heat losses created        by intervening mediums are avoided or minimized, and energy        efficiency is maximized.    -   (5) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that        transfers heat to the beverage slurry without the use of moving        parts.    -   (6) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that adds        heat to the beverage slurry without the requirement of special        cup or beverage containers.    -   (7) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that allows        for inductive heating of the mixing blade, with the mixing blade        constructed such that the inductive heat cannot travel to the        bearings and windings of the motor and damage them.    -   (8) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that        develops heat which does not parasitically draw power from the        motor windings for heating purposes, such that motor torque is        not compromised, which would adversely impact the        mixing/blending time.    -   (9) Provide for a beverage mixing system and method that        optically couples heat into the beverage, with heat being        generated by one or more LEDs aimed into the top of the slurry.

While these objectives should not be understood to limit the teachingsof the present invention, in general these objectives are achieved inpart or in whole by the disclosed invention that is discussed in thefollowing sections. One skilled in the art will no doubt be able toselect aspects of the present invention as disclosed to affect anycombination of the objectives described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present, invention provides a device for the faster mixing of frozenbeverages, and more particularly, for the mixing of ice cream typebeverages. By means of inductive coupling, heat is introduced into thebeverage during the mixing or blending process. The heat is magneticallyinduced into a driveshaft and then transferred via conduction to amixing blade, which then in turn transfers heat to the beverage slurry.In addition, singular or multiple high power LEDs, aimed into the slurrymay optionally provide additional heat input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the advantages provided by the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description togetherwith the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a prior art inductionheating system as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,881;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of a prior art inductionheating system as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,207;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top sectional view of a prior art induction heatingsystem as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,207;

FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly view of a prior art mixing system astaught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,312;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred system embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart describing a presentlypreferred method embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred LED heating system embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flowchart describing a presentlypreferred LED heating method embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system application context for somepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic for some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary electrical detail schematic for somepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary state machine diagram that may be usedin some preferred system state controller embodiments incorporatedwithin the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of an exemplary induction coil assemblyused in some preferred invention embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side sectional view of an exemplary induction coilassembly used in some preferred invention embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates an end view of an exemplary induction coil assemblyused in some preferred invention embodiments that incorporate integratedheating lamps;

FIG. 16 Illustrates a side sectional view of an exemplary induction coilassembly used in some preferred invention embodiments that incorporateintegrated heating lamps;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention illustrating isolation of the driveshaft from therotational driver motor;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment ofthe present, invention illustrating isolation of the driveshaft from therotational driver motor;

FIG. 19 illustrates an end view of an exemplary rotational driverendshaft profile used to insulate the rotational driver and driveshaftin some preferred invention embodiments;

FIG. 20 illustrates an end view of an exemplary mechanical couplercavity profile used to insulate the rotational driver in some preferredinvention embodiments;

FIG. 21 illustrates an end view of an exemplary mechanical couplercavity profile used to insulate the driveshaft in some preferredinvention embodiments;

FIG. 22 illustrates an end view of an exemplary driveshaft endshaftprofile used to insulate the rotational driver and driveshaft in somepreferred invention embodiments;

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary system control schematic of aninduction coil power switching arrangement;

FIG. 24 illustrates exemplary power switching waveforms associated witha preferred invention embodiment;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary system block diagram of a computerizeduser interface control system useful in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary system block diagram of a computerizeduser interface control system incorporating customized recipeidentification that may be applied in some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating a preferredexemplary user control interface method useful in some preferredinvention embodiments;

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating a preferredexemplary heating/dwell cycle recipe execution method useful in somepreferred invention embodiments;

FIG. 29 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred system embodiment of the present invention thatincorporates driveshaft speed detection to determine product slurryviscosity;

FIG. 30 illustrates a generalized graph depicting change in productslurry viscosity as a function of dwell time;

FIG. 31 illustrates a preferred exemplary system invention embodimentemploying a rotational driver load sensor system used to determinebeverage viscosity by indirectly measuring rotational driver loadcurrent/power consumption;

FIG. 32 illustrates exemplary graphs depicting rotational driver currentconsumption versus rotational driver shaft load and rotational powerconsumption versus rotational driver mixing RPM speed;

FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of a preferred exemplary beveragemixing system embodiment employing a manual switched control of ahorizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heatthrough a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixingagitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverage product using anoptional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 34 illustrates a rear view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a manual switched control of a horizontalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 35 illustrates a left view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a manual switched control of a horizontalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 36 illustrates a right view of a preferred exemplary beveragemixing system embodiment employing a manual switched control of ahorizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heatthrough a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixingagitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverage product using anoptional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 37 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a manual switched control of a horizontalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat, the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view of a preferred exemplary beveragemixing system embodiment employing a manual switched control of ahorizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heatthrough a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixingagitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverage product using anoptional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 39 illustrates a top front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

-   -   FIG. 41 illustrates a top right; front perspective view of a        preferred exemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing        a manual switched control of a horizontal infrared heating        source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through a mechanical        mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)        and additionally heat the beverage product using art optional        infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 42 illustrates a bottom right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 43 illustrates a top left front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 44 illustrates a bottom left front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 45 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing system embodimentemploying a manual switched control of a horizontal infrared heatingsource (IHS) configured to transfer heat through a mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionallyheat, the beverage product using an optional infrared irradiation source(IIS);

FIG. 46 illustrates a right side section view of a preferred exemplarybeverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switched control ofa horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heatthrough a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixingagitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverage product using anoptional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 47 illustrates a top right front perspective right side detail,section view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing system embodimentemploying a manual switched control of a horizontal infrared heatingsource (IHS) configured to transfer heat through a mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionallyheat the beverage product using an optional, infrared irradiation source(IIS);

FIG. 48 illustrates a right side section detail view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a manual switchedcontrol of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 49 illustrates a front view of a preferred exemplary beveragemixing system embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 50 illustrates a rear view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 51 illustrates a left view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 52 illustrates a right view of a preferred exemplary beveragenixing system embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 53 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixingsystem embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional, infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 54 illustrates a bottom view of a preferred exemplary beveragemixing system embodiment employing a computerized control of a verticalinfrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heat through amechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA)and additionally heat the beverage product using an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 55 illustrates a top front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 56 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 57 illustrates a top right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 58 illustrates a bottom right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 59 illustrates a top left front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat, the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 60 illustrates a bottom left front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 61 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing system embodimentemploying a computerized control of a vertical infrared heating source(IHS) configured to transfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft(MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat thebeverage product using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 62 illustrates a right side section view of a preferred exemplarybeverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerized control of avertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured to transfer heatthrough a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixingagitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverage product using anoptional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 63 illustrates a right side section detail view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing system embodiment employing a computerizedcontrol of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) configured totransfer heat through a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) co amechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionally heat the beverageproduct using an optional infrared irradiation source (IIS);

FIG. 64 illustrates a top right front, perspective right side detailsection view of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing system embodimentemploying a computerized control of a vertical infrared heating source(IHS) configured to transfer heat; through a mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD) to a mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) and additionallyheat the beverage product using an optional infrared irradiation source(IIS);

FIG. 65 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary shaftassembly structure with detail of an exemplary heatsink embodimentcomprising a surface coating on the mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD)or a painted surface on the mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 66 illustrates top perspective section and top section views of anexemplary shaft assembly structure detailing an exemplary heatsinkembodiment comprising a surface coating on the mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD) or a painted surface on the mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 67 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary shaftassembly structure with detail of an exemplary heatsink embodimentcomprising a solid cylindrical sleeve having a peripheral outer diameterlarger than that of the mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 68 illustrates detail top perspective, right section perspective,top section perspective, front, side, and rear views of an exemplaryheatsink embodiment comprising a solid cylindrical sleeve having aperipheral outer diameter larger than that of the mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 69 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary shaftassembly structure with detail of an exemplary heatsink embodimentcomprising a vertically grooved cylindrical sleeve having a peripheralouter diameter larger than that of the mechanical mixing driveshaft(MMD);

FIG. 70 illustrates detail top perspective, right section perspective,top section perspective, front, side, and rear views of an exemplaryheatsink embodiment comprising a vertically grooved cylindrical sleevehaving a peripheral outer diameter larger than that of the mechanicalmixing driveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 71 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary shaftassembly structure with detail of an exemplary heatsink embodimentcomprising a helically grooved cylindrical sleeve having a peripheralouter diameter larger than that of the mechanical mixing driveshaft(MMD);

FIG. 72 illustrates detail top perspective, right section perspective,top section perspective, front, side, and rear views of an exemplaryheatsink embodiment comprising a helically grooved cylindrical sleevehaving a peripheral outer diameter larger than that of the mechanicalmixing driveshaft (MMD);

FIG. 73 illustrates a top right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing horizontal infrared heating source (IHS)system embodiment;

FIG. 74 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) system embodiment;

FIG. 75 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 76 illustrates a top right front perspective top side section viewof a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 77 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing horizontal infrared heating source (IHS)system embodiment;

FIG. 78 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right, side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) system embodiment;

FIG. 79 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 80 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective top side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 81 illustrates a top right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heating source (IHS) systemembodiment;

FIG. 82 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment;

FIG. 83 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 84 illustrates a top right front; perspective top side section viewof a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 85 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heating source (IHS) systemembodiment;

FIG. 86 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment;

FIG. 87 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 88 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective top side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing vertical infrared heatingsource (IHS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 89 illustrates a top right front perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiation source (IIS) systemembodiment;

FIG. 90 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment;

FIG. 91 illustrates a top right front perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 92 illustrates a top right front perspective front, side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment with heatshield removed;

FIG. 93 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective view of a preferredexemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiation source (IIS) systemembodiment;

FIG. 94 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment;

FIG. 95 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective right side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment with heatshield removed; and

FIG. 96 illustrates a bottom right rear perspective front side sectionview of a preferred exemplary beverage mixing infrared irradiationsource (IIS) system embodiment with heatshield removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetailed preferred embodiment of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to the presently preferredembodiment, wherein these innovative teachings are advantageouslyapplied to the particular problems of a BEVERAGE MIXING SYSTEM ANDMETHOD. However, it should foe understood that this embodiment is onlyone example of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachingsherein. In general, statements made in the specification of the presentapplication do not necessarily limit any of the various claimedinventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventivefeatures but not to others.

NSF Not Limitive

References to “NSF” refer to NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N.Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, Mich. 43113-0140, and their standards are notlimitive of the invention scope,

Mixing/Blending Not Limitive

The terms “mixing” and “blending” shall be used synonymously within thedescription of the present invention, as the same systems/methods taughtherein to “mix” a given frozen beverage may be used to “blend” multiplebeverages (not all of which may be frozen) within a given context.

Target Beverage Product Not Limitive

While the present invention may be advantageously applied to themixing/blending of frozen beverages and/or foods such as ice cream,dairy products, and the like, the present invention is not necessarilylimited in scope to application within this context. Thus, the term“beverage product” within the context of terms such as “mixing” and“blending” should be given its broadest possible interpretationconsistent with the application context of the invention.

LED Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of other illumination/heatingelements other than LED lighting, such as tungsten halogen lighting,Xenon lighting, ultraviolet lighting, and/or a wide variety of infraredlighting products well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, theterms “high power LED”, “illumination source”, “irradiation source”, and“heating source” should be considered synonymous with an additionalheating source and given a broad interpretation consistent with thisapplication context.

LITZ Wire Not Limitive

The present invention may in some preferred embodiments make use of Litzwire to construct magnetic coils used to generate the inductive heatingused in the mixing/blending operation. Litz wire is a type of cable usedin electronics to carry alternating current. The wire is designed toreduce the skin effect and proximity effect losses in conductors used atfrequencies up to about 1 MHz. It consists of many thin wire strands,individually insulated and twisted or woven together, following one ofseveral carefully prescribed patterns often involving several levels(groups of twisted wires are twisted together, etc.). This windingpattern equalizes the proportion of the overall length over which eachstrand is at the outside of the conductor. Note, however, that thepresent invention is not limited to the use of Litz wire in thisapplication context.

Excitation Frequency Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide range of excitationfrequencies for the induction coil. Preferred embodiments of theinvention as described herein are specifically anticipated to utilize50/60 Hz (power line frequencies and counting number multiples thereof)and ultrasonic (above human perception) excitation frequencies, butthese preferred examples do not limit the range of permissibleexcitation frequencies that may be used with a given inventionembodiment. Within this context, the term “counting number multiple” isassumed to have its conventional mathematical definition having integervalues equal to or greater than unity.

Ultrasonic Frequency Not Limitive

The term “ultrasonic” in the context of the induction coil excitationfrequency detailed herein should be given the broadest possibleinterpretation to include all frequencies above typical human perception(typically approximately 20 kHz and above).

Computing Device Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of computingdevices in its general, theme of construction. While microcontrollerunit (MCU) construction may be optimal in many circumstances, thepresent invention is not limited to this particular form of constructionand the term “computing device” and “MCU” should be given their broadestpossible definitions in this context.

Induction Coil Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of induction coils(coil inductors) in its general theme of construction. While coilinductor construction may be optimal i.n many circumstances for theformation of the induction coil, the present invention is not limited tothis particular form of construction and the term “induction coil”,“inductor”, and “coil inductor” should be given their broadest possibledefinitions in this context.

Induction Coil Potting Material Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of pottingmaterials to encase/enclose the induction coil(s) (coil inductor(s))that may be used in various invention embodiments. While not limitive ofthe present invention scope, this potting material typically comprises amaterial that is inert to normal foodstuffs. As an example, DOW CORNING736 HEAT RESISTANT SEALANT is NSF 51 certified for direct food contactand rated at a continuous operating temperature of 500 °F.

Microprocessor/Microcontroller Not Limitive

The present invention may utilize microprocessor/microcontroller controlelements, but is not necessarily limited to this type of digital controlsystem.

Resonant Tank Circuit Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of induction coils(coil inductors) as part of a LC resonant tank circuit in variousembodiment constructions. One skilled in the art will recognize that anyinductor incorporates parasitic capacitances which impact the overallinductor/capacitor model associated with the inductor and as suchreal-world inductors have a “self-resonance” associated with thesehybrid device characteristics. Thus, when speaking of LC resonant tankcircuits (LC tank circuit) within this document, the overall LC behaviorof the inductor should be considered. Thus, while in some inventionembodiments an additional capacitor may be placed in parallel with theinduction coil, some self-resonant induction coil embodiments maydispense with this external capacitor, relying solely on the parasiticinduction coil capacitance to operate the system assuming aself-resonant frequency for the induction coil. From this discussion oneskilled in the art will recognize that any reference to the “LC resonanttank” associated with the induction coil may or may not reference anassociated external capacitor.

Rotational Driver Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of rotationaldrivers in its general theme of construction to affect rotation of thedriveshaft and attached mechanical agitator. Within this context, theuse of electric motors is preferred but not by necessity limitive of theoverall invention scope.

Rotational Driver/Driveshaft Insulation Not Limitive

The present invention may in some circumstances insulate (thermallyand/or electrically isolate) the rotational driver and the driveshaftwith a mechanical coupler that in some circumstances is electricallyand/or thermally insulating. Within this context, a variety of materialsmay be used for the mechanical coupler, including but not limited to thepreferred selections of TEFLON®, TORLON®, VESPEL®, and DELRIN®. Theseengineered plastics are immune to attack by foodstuffs and are low inelectrical/thermal conductivity, both being properties that areadvantageous in situations where the rotational driver is to be isolatedfrom the heating and electrical currents associated with the driveshaftand mechanical agitator.

Thus, the term “insulated” and its variants should be given its broadestpossible meaning within this context to cover materials that may beelectrically and/or thermally insulating. The selection of one or moreof these properties permits the driveshaft to be raised to elevatedtemperatures by means of magnetic coupling to an induction coil whilepreventing heating of the rotational driver (motor) driving shaft and/orbearings. The use of a coupling material that is electrically insulatingprevents induced currents within the driveshaft from conduction withinthe rotational driver components. These features either individually orin combination serve to improve the overall longevity and reliability ofthe rotational driver.

Driveshaft/Agitator Material Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of materials forthe driveshaft and/or mechanical agitator described herein. Generallyspeaking, the driveshaft should be conductive and capable of beingmagnetically induced to generate inductive heat within its structure.Preferred materials for the driveshaft and/or mechanical agitatorinclude but are not limited to SS430 (desirable for its compliance withNSF 51), copper plated steel/iron/nickel plated or polymer coated copperand copper/nickel plated steel/iron. Situations in which the driveshaftand/or mechanical agitator are constructed of copper or some copperalloy may require labeling to conform to NSF requirements. In any ofthese circumstances, the core material of the driveshaft may preferablycomprise an iron (ferritic) core.

Mechanical Agitator Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of mechanicalagitators in its general theme of construction to mix/blend the beverageproduct. Within this context, the function and structure of themechanical agitator may take many forms, including but not limited tomixing blades and the Like. Thus, the terms “mechanical agitator”,“mixing blade” and the like should be considered broadly andsynonymously equivalent to include the overall scope of devices whichmay be used to mix/blend a beverage product.

System Theory of Operation

The present invention is designed to speed up the mixing process byadding heat to the beverage during the mixing process. Moreparticularly, the present invention first adds heat by means ofinduction heating. The beverage; is blended in a cup of (typically)ferrous design. In use, ice cream, flavorings, and milk are introducedinto a conventional cup, be it plastic, paper, ceramic, or metal. Thecup is held in place in a blender, and mechanical blending lakes placeby means of a motor and a blender paddle. As electrical energy isapplied to the motor by means of an electrical switch, the sameelectrical switch applies power to a switching circuit that in turnprovides a rectangular wave (pulse train) to a resonant LC circuit. TheLC circuit is switched off and on at or near resonance, allowing for Qmultiplication. The L of the LC circuit is a spiral (helical) woundinductor that is dielectrically and environmentally encased. Theinductor L has as its core the rotating shaft of the mixing blade. Theinductor L and the mixing blade combination form the primary andsecondary of a transformer, respectively.

As the electronics produce a drive frequency that is at or nearresonance of the LC circuit, Q multiplication takes place, and theelectromagnetic energy is converted into heat in the mixing blade. Theheat then is transferred to the slurry. The second manner in which heatis added is by the optical aiming of high power LEDs into the slurry.LED efficiency has dramatically improved over the last decade, and thesesolid state devices have lifetimes that far exceed the lifetime of amotor on a blender. Coupling the optical energy from an LED into theslurry may result in faster melt times for the beverage.

System Overview (0500)

A general overview of the system may be seen in FIG. 5 (0500) whereinthe system operates in the context of a mixing container (0511) havingsome beverage product (0512) that is desired to be mixed/blended. Thismixing/blending is accomplished in this preferred embodiment by the useof a rotational driver (0501) (typically an electric motor or the like)that is mechanically coupled to and rotates a driveshaft (0502). Thisdriveshaft (0502) is magnetically coupled to an induction coil (0503)(the coupling may be considered bidirectional) that inductively heatsthe driveshaft (0502). The heated driveshaft (0502) is mechanicallycoupled to a mechanical agitator (0504) that mixes/blends the beverageproduct (0512) within the mixing container (0511). The mechanicalcoupling between the driveshaft (0502) and the mechanical agitator(0504) permits heat to flow from the driveshaft (0502) to the mechanicalagitator (0504) and thus soften the beverage product (0512) to aconsistent viscosity. The induction coil (0503) is electrically coupledto a coil stimulator (0505) that electrically drives the induction coil(0503) to inductively heat the driveshaft (0502) and thus by thermalconduction the mechanical agitator (0504) and by contact the beverageproduct (0512) that is being mixed/blended in the container (0511).

The system as generally depicted in FIG. 5 (0500) may also incorporate acontrol system (0506) running under computer control and executinginstructions read from a computer readable medium such as firmware orthe like (0507). This control system (0506) by executing the embodiedsoftware/firmware (0507) manages and directs the rotational driver(0501) and/or coil stimulator (0505). This control system (0506) permitsoperational control of the rotational driver (0501) (activation, speed,etc.) and variations in the waveform type, duration, duty cycle, and/orfrequency of the coil stimulator (0505) electrical drive to theinduction coil (0503) and thus permits modulation of the amount of heattransferred to the driveshaft (0502) and eventually the mechanicalagitator (0504). Inherent in this control system (0506) is anticipationof feedback and/or timing controls to permit the mixing of beverageproduct (0512) to a consistent viscosity based on measured conditionsand/or a configuration matrix of known data or desired viscosityconformance.

Method Overview (0600)

The present invention system as described above may be utilized in thecontext of an overall beverage mixing method as generally illustrated inFIG. 6 (0600), wherein the beverage mixing method comprises thefollowing steps:

-   -   (1) mechanically coupling a rotational driver to a driveshaft        (0601);    -   (2) mechanically coupling the driveshaft to a mechanical        agitator (0602);    -   (3) magnetically coupling the driveshaft to an induction coil        (0603);    -   (4) stimulating the induction coil with an electrical drive        signal at an excitation frequency to inductively heat the        driveshaft and by conduction heat the mechanical agitator        (0604); and    -   (5) activating the rotational driver to rotate the heated        mechanical agitator within a beverage product placed in a        container to modify the beverage product, viscosity and        proceeding to step (4) until a desired beverage product        viscosity is reached (0605).

Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods inconjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systemsdescribed herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the presentinvention.

Alternate System Overview (0700)

A general overview of an alternative system may be seen in FIG. 7 (0700)wherein the system operates in the context of a mixing container (0711)having some beverage product (0712) that is desired to be mixed/blended.This mixing/blending is accomplished in this preferred embodiment by theuse of a rotational driver (typically an electric motor or the like)that is mechanically coupled to and rotates a driveshaft (0702). Thisdriveshaft (0702) is magnetically coupled to an induction coil (0703)(the coupling may be considered bidirectional) that inductively heatsthe driveshaft (0702). The heated driveshaft (0702) is mechanicallycoupled to a mechanical agitator (0704) that mixes/blends the beverageproduct (0712) within the mixing container (0711). The mechanicalcoupling between the driveshaft (0702) and the mechanical agitator(0704) permits heat to flow from the driveshaft (0702) to the mechanicalagitator (0704) and thus soften the beverage product (0712) to aconsistent viscosity. The induction coil. (0703) is electrically coupledto a coil stimulator (0705) that electrically drives the induction coil(0703) to inductively heat the driveshaft (0702) and thus by thermalconduction the mechanical agitator (0704) and by contact the beverageproduct (0712) that is being mixed/blended in the container (0711). Ahigh power LED (0708) (or other source of infrared radiation) activatedby a LED driver (0709) (or other suitable activation circuitry) trayalso be activated to inject additional heat into the beverage product(0712) to speed the mixing/blending process within the container (0711).

The system as generally depicted in FIG. 7 (0700) may also incorporate acontrol system (0706) running under computer control and executinginstructions read from a computer readable medium such as firmware orthe like (0707). This control system (0706) by executing the embodiedsoftware/firmware (0707) manages and directs the rotational driver(0701) and/or coil stimulator (0705) and/or LED driver (0709). Thiscontrol system (0706) permits operational control of the rotationaldriver (0701) (activation, speed, etc.) and variations in the waveformtype, duration, duty cycle, and/or frequency of the coil stimulator(0705) electrical drive to the induction coil (0703) as well asactivation and duty cycle associated with the LED driver (0709) (andassociated high power LED (0708)) and thus permits modulation of theamount of heat transferred to the driveshaft (0702) and eventually themechanical agitator (0704), or direct heat injection by the high powerLED (0708). Inherent in this control system (0706) is anticipation offeedback and/or timing controls to permit the mixing of beverage product(0712) to a consistent viscosity based on measured conditions and/or aconfiguration matrix of known data or desired viscosity conformance.

Alternate Method Overview (0800)

The present invention alternate system as described above may beutilized in the context of an overall beverage alternate mixing methodas generally illustrated in FIG. 8 (0800), wherein the beverage mixingmethod comprises the following steps:

-   -   (1) mechanically coupling a rotational driver to a driveshaft        (0801);    -   (2) mechanically coupling the driveshaft to a mechanical        agitator (0802);    -   (3) magnetically coupling the driveshaft to an induction coil        (0803);    -   (4) stimulating the induction coil with an electrical drive        signal at an excitation frequency to inductively heat the        driveshaft and by conduction heat the mechanical agitator        (0804);    -   (5) irradiating the beverage product with an infrared        irradiation source to inject additional heat into the beverage        product (0805); and    -   (6) activating the rotational driver to rotate the heated        mechanical agitator within a beverage product placed in a        container to modify the beverage product viscosity and        proceeding to step (4) until a desired beverage product        viscosity is reached (0806).

Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods inconjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systemsdescribed herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the presentinvention.

Typical Application Context (0900)

A typical application context for the present invention is generallydepicted in FIG. 9 (0900), wherein an exemplary beverage mixer system isshown. This beverage mixer embodiment comprises a chassis (0901) havingattached to it a motor (0902), a driveshaft (0903), a mixing blade(0904), an activation switch (0905), and an encased induction coil(0906). The encased induction coil (0906) has as its “core” thedriveshaft (0903) of the mixing blade (0904). Beverage holder (cup)(0907) has no specific material requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the driveshaft (0903) comprises a solidcopper shaft or rod having a ferromagnetic or ferrous iron slug (0908)fitted in a void (0909) created within the top of the driveshaft (0903).The ferromagnetic or ferrous iron slug (0908) is configured within thecopper driveshaft (0903) so as to interact with the induction coil(0906). While the slug (0908) and void (0909) are depicted as beingcylindrical in shape, it is understood that the slug (0908) andcorresponding void (0909) may have any geometric shape. Moreover, whilethe slug (0908) is depicted as only filling a portion of the length ofthe void (0909), it is understood that the slug (0908) may fill theentire void (0909). Alternatively, the slug (0908) may fill only aportion of the void (0909) with the remainder comprising metal orpolymeric construction to specifically include materials such asDELRIN®, TEFLON®, TORLON®, VESPEL® brand or similar high temperatureplastics having poor thermal conductivity, in order to deter heat fromthe driveshaft being conductively transferred to the rotational driverand causing damage to the internal bearings or motor windings of therotational driver.

The induction coil (0906) generates an electromagnetic field whichcauses heat to develop in the slug (0908). The heat developed in theslug (0908) is transferred conductively to the copper driveshaft (0903),which transfers the heat more efficiently to the slurry. The solidcopper driveshaft (0903) in the preferred embodiment may be plated witha metal (e.g., nickel) or coated with a polymer to serve as a deterrentto corrosion. Using a solid copper driveshaft is far more efficient intransferring heat than previously disclosed drive shafts constructed ofSS430, copper plated steel/iron, and copper/nickel plated steel/iron.Whereas steel/iron has a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 36-43and stainless steel has a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 16-24,steel, solid copper has a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 111.Thus, heat generated in the slug (0908) is able to transfer much moreefficiently from the slug (0908) to the slurry in the preferredembodiment of the driveshaft (0903).

The mixing blade (0904) is chosen so as to be ferromagnetic, with athickness that is at least twice the skin depth thickness of the givenmaterial at the chosen excitation (oscillating) frequency of theinduction coil (0906). Because the mixing blade (0904) is meant tocontact foodstuffs, it should be chosen to meet NSF (National SanitationFoundation) requirements. As such, stainless steel type 430 (SS 430)would be one suitable material in many preferred embodiments. In thealternative, the mixing blade (0904) may be constructed of iron (steel)with a copper (or other non-reactive metal and/or coating) plating theiron so as to render the mixing blade (0904) chemically inert tofoodstuffs.

Exemplary Electrical System (1000)

FIG. 10 (1000) generally illustrates an exemplary electrical system fora preferred embodiment. FIG. 10 (1000) depicts an incoming power feed(1001) (a line cord) a switch (1002), a motor (1003), the driveshaft(1004), the mixing blade (1005), and the electronics section (1006). Theelectronics section feeds the encased induction coil (1007).

FIG. 10 (1000) depicts an exemplary overall electrical system summary.When switch (1002) is turned on, it applies AC power to the motor(1003). As motor (1003) is activated, it turns a driveshaft (1004) thatis connected to a mixing blade (1005), which is in essence an extensionof the motor shaft for the motor (1003). This same AC power is deliveredto the electronics section (1006). The mixing blade (1005) is positionedsuch that it stirs the beverage that is present in beverage holder(1008). Beverage holder. (1008) may typically be constructed of metal,polymer, or ceramic.

Exemplary Electronics Configuration (1100)

An exemplary electronics embodiment that may be used to operate thedisclosed invention is generally depicted in FIG. 11 (1100). Thisexemplary electronics embodiment (1100) takes AC power (1101) from theswitch (1102) and then converts it into a switched pulse train (1111)that is eventually fed to induction coil (1114). The incoming 120 voltsAC (nominal) (1101) is rectified by diodes (1103, 1104), while inductor(1105) and capacitor (1106) filter the half-wave rectified DC pulsetrain generated by the diodes (1103, 1104). Encased induction coil(1114) and capacitor (1115) form an LC tank circuit. Insulated gatebipolar transistor (IGBT) (1112) forms a switch, while diode (1113) is afree wheeling diode that may be integrated into the IGBT (1112) orimplemented as a standalone device component. Encased induction coil(1114) is optimally constructed from Litz wire or another wire that issuitable for high frequency operation while maintaining a relativelyhigh Q (quality factor).

The IGBT (1112) has a gate which is driven by a pulse train generated inthis embodiment by 555 timer, indicated here as osciliator/clockgenerator (1110). The operating frequency of the oscillator (1110)(which is run in an astable mode) is optimally chosen so as to be at theresonant point of the LC circuit formed by induction coil (1114) andcapacitor (1115). The driven pulse train (1111) from the 555 timer(1110) then drives the IGBT (1112) gate OFF and ON, and thus controlsthe collector-emitter switching action of: the IGBT (1112). Theinduction coil (1114), which is encased for sanitation reasons, servesas the primary of a virtual transformer. The secondary of thetransformer is the driveshaft (1116) of the mixing blade (1117). Thistransformer inductively takes the current from the induction coil (1114)and excites the ferrous structure within the driveshaft (1116) and/ormixing blade (1117).

Power to the oscillator (1110) (555 timer) is provided by a series dropresistor (1107), zener diode (1108), and capacitor (1109) combination.The oscillator (1110) (555 timer) may optionally be disabled using anactive-low RST (reset) input generated by a system state controller(1120) in situations where pulse modulation of the induction coil (1114)and modulated heating of the driveshaft (1116) is desired. Optical LED(1118) is affixed to the appliance in such a manner that its opticalpower is aimed into the slurry. A switch mode power supply (1119)supplies the necessary current for the LED (1118).

The system as depicted may incorporate a wide variety of system statecontrollers (1120) that directs the operation of the oscillator (1110)as well as the rotational driver (1130).

System State Controller (1200)

The system state controller (1120) depicted in FIG. 11 (1100) mayincorporate a variety of operational state maps, an exemplary embodimentof which is generally depicted in FIG. 12 (1200). Here the systemcontrol is generally depicted to include COMMAND (1210), PROGRAM (1220),MIX (1230), and COOLDOWN (1240) states. The COMMAND (1210) state permitskeypad entry and/or display of commands during times where therotational driver and induction coil are deactivated. If a RECIPEPROGRAM (1212) command is entered the PROGRAM (1220) state is activatedin which keypad entries/displays (1221) are activated while recipememory is loaded with user defined mixing parameters. When the recipedefinition is completed (1222) control returns to the COMMAND state(1210). If a MIX command is entered (1213), control passes to the MIXstate (1230) wherein the rotational driver and induction coil areactivated to execute a specific recipe retrieved from previously definedrecipe memory (or some pre-programmed recipe configuration) and thisstate is maintained while the dwell timer is active (1231). When themixing dwell timer is exhausted (1232), a COOLDOWN state (1240) isentered in which the rotational driver is maintained with the inductioncoil deactivated while a cooldown timer (1241) is monitored. When thecooldown timer is exhausted (1242) control returns to the COMMAND state(1210).

Induction Coil Detail (1300, 1400)

Additional detail of an exemplary induction coil is generallyillustrated in the top view of FIG. 13 (1300) and the side sectionalview of FIG. 14 (1400). Referencing FIG. 13 (1300), the driveshaft(1310) is encircled by the induction coil housing (1320) that isgenerally cylindrical in shape in many preferred embodiments. Theinduction coil housing (1320) is mounted to a fixed support via use ofsupport shaft (1330) (and optional locking nut (1331)) that providesboth mechanical support and provisions for electrical connections to theinduction coil contained within the induction coil housing (1320).

Referencing the exemplary induction coil side sectional view of FIG. 14(1400), the driveshaft (1410) is peripherally enclosed by the inductioncoil housing (1420) that may comprise a containment shell and/orencapsulation material (1421) which contain the induction coil windings(1422). This induction coil structure (1420) may be supported in a widevariety of fashions, but as shown in FIG. 14 (1400), an exemplarymounting methodology is via the use of a support shaft (1430) thatthreads into the body of the induction coil structure (1420) and isretained via the use of a locking nut (1431) or other fastening means.In this preferred exemplary embodiment the support shaft (1430) istubular and permits the induction coil windings (1422) to be routed(1432, 1433) through the tubular support shaft (1430) for connection tothe coil excitation electronics. This exemplary embodiment of theinduction coil structure also permits incorporation of additional wiring(1434) that supports connections to a shaft sensor module (1435) thatmay incorporate a shaft speed detection sensor and/or shaft temperaturesensor as described herein.

Integrated Heating Lamp Detail (1500,1600)

The induction coil structure depicted in FIG. 13 (1300) and FIG. 14(1400) may be modified in some configurations as depicted in the bottomview of FIG. 15 (1500) and the side sectional view of FIG. 16 (1600) toinclude provisions for heating lamps (1621, 1622) and associatedreflectors (1623, 1624) that may be integrated within or attached to theinduction coil assembly (1620) as it surrounds the driveshaft (1610).The heating lamps (1621, 1622) depicted in this diagram may comprise awide variety of heating sources well known in the art, including but notlimited to incandescent, halogen, LED, etc. The power source for theseheating lamps (1621, 1622) may be separately derived from power cablesrouted through the tubular shaft support (1430) or in some circumstancesderived by utilizing contacts with the induction coil windings (1422).One skilled in the art will no doubt envision a variety of methods ofpowering the heating lamps based on this disclosed anticipatedconnection options.

Rotational Driver/Driveshaft Insulating Coupling Overview (1700)

In some circumstance the rotational driver and the driveshaft may beinsulated (thermally and/or electrically isolated) from each other bymeans of a mechanical coupler having electrical and/or thermalinsulating characteristics as generally depicted in FIG. 17 (1700). Asdepicted in FIG. 17 (1700), the rotational driver (1710) rotating shaft(1712) is configured with a first male mating endshaft (1713) thatcorresponds to a first female mating receptacle (1731) within themechanical coupler (1730). The driveshaft (1720) is configured with asecond male mating endshaft (1721) that corresponds to a second femalemating receptacle within the mechanical coupler (1730). The mechanicalcoupler (1730) may be optionally configured with a variety of fasteningmeans to secure the first male mating endshaft (1713) with the secondmale mating endshaft (1723) within the confines of the mechanicalcoupler (1730).

The first male mating end (1713) and the second male mating end (1723)may be configured differently and have different profiles and/or sizes.Exemplary configurations of theses mating ends (1713, 1723) include butare not limited to cylindrical shafts, spline shafts, TORX® shafts,regular polyhedron (square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) shafts, andconventional WOODRUFF-style keyed shaft profiles. Each mating endshaftand the corresponding female cavity may be independently selected fromthis exemplary group of shaft profiles in a wide variety of preferredinvention embodiments.

Driveshaft Insulation Detail (1800)-(2200)

The heating action of the induction coil will cause heat to develop inthe mixing blade. While the majority of the heat will be dissipated intothe beverage slurry, some of the heat will travel towards the motor,along the length of the mixing blade driveshaft. A TEFLON® (or otherdielectric material such as DELRIN®) insert or spacer may be used insome embodiments to mechanically couple and electrically/thermallyisolate the mixing blade to the motor shaft. This insert isolates themotor shaft from the mixing blade, both thermally and electrically. Theisolation helps insure that the heat from the inductive heating does notdamage the windings of the motor and also the bearings.

As generally depicted in the sectional view of FIG. 18 (1800), therotational driver (1810) may be isolated to the driveshaft (1820) viathe use of an insulating mechanical coupler (1830). In this preferredexemplary embodiment., the rotational driver (1810) comprises a drivemotor (1811) having a driveshaft (1812) configured with a keyed endshaft(1813) that mates with a corresponding cavity (1831) in the mechanicalcoupler (1830). The driveshaft (1820) is similarly configured with mainshaft portion (1822) connected to the mechanical agitator (not shown)and a keyed endshaft (1823) that, mates with a corresponding cavity(1832) in the mechanical coupler (1830). Provisions for setscrews, pins,or other fasteners (1833, 1834, 1835, 1836) are provided within themechanical coupler (1830) to ensure a rigid and fixed mechanicalcoupling between the motor endshaft (1813), the mechanical coupler(1830), and the driveshaft endshaft (1823).

The endshafts (1813, 1823) and corresponding mechanical coupler cavities(1831, 1832) are not necessarily of the same construction and maytypically be constructed using cylindrical, spline, TORX®, regularpolyhedral (square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) profiles. For example,FIG. 19 (1900) and FIG. 20 (2000) illustrate end views of an exemplaryspline pattern that may be used in this construction and FIG. 21 (2100)and FIG. 22 (2200) illustrate the use of a hexagonal key/broached insertpattern.

Exemplary System Control Electronics (2300. 2400)

While the present invention anticipates many possible methodologies ofcontrolling the heat generated by the induction coil, the schematicdepicted in FIG. 23 (2300) and waveforms depicted in FIG. 24 (2400) areexemplary of a preferred system control configuration.

Exemplary Power Control Schematic (2300)

Referring to the schematic of FIG. 23 (2300), a system microcontroller(MCI)) (2310) that supervises the overall control system is supported byoperator display indicators (2311), an operator input controls (2312)(which may incorporate a keypad (2313), and support for a variety ofshaft sensors (2314) (speed, temperature, etc.). The MCU (2310) controlsthe driveshaft heat generated by the induction coil (2320) by means of amain induction coil switch (2330) which is typically a thyristor classdevice such as a SCR or TRIAC. In this context the gate control (2331)for this device should be isolated from the MCU (2310) to insulate theoperator inputs (2312, 2313) from a possible shock hazard. This isaccomplished by use of a zero voltage crossing optically isolated triacdriver (2340) that incorporates an internal LED (2341) driven by theENABLE digital output of the MCU (2310). The internal ZERO CROSSINGDETECTORS within the triac driver (2340) are responsive to the output ofthe internal LED (2341) and trigger internal thyristors to affect gatecontrol (2331) of the induction coil switch (2330).

While many forms of optical isolation are potentially useable in thisconfiguration, some preferred invention embodiments employ FAIRCHILD®model MOC3031M/MOC3032M/MOC3033M/MOC3041M/MOC3042M/MOC3043M DIPZero-Cross Optoisolators Triac Driver Output devices. These devices ortheir equivalent possess sufficient high voltage isolation to insulatethe user interface devices (2312, 2313) and the MCU (2310) frompotential high voltage hazards associated with the induction coil (2320)excitation.

Exemplary Power Control Waveforms (2400)

While many varieties of power control waveforms may be used to controlthe circuitry illustrated in FIG. 23 (2300), one preferred inventionembodiment makes use of pulse width modulation as generally illustratedin FIG. 24 (2400) to enable the gate control (2341) of the optoisolator(2340) depicted in FIG. 23 (2300). As generally illustrated in FIG. 24(2400), a keypad (2413) may be mapped to a variety of pulse widths(2401, 2402, 2403, 2404, 2405, 2406, 2407) that define the duty cyclefor the triac drive circuitry generally illustrated in FIG. 23 (2300).Modulation of the gate enable for the triac results in a proportionalamount of heating induced into the driveshaft by the induction coil. Asdiscussed elsewhere herein, the invention also anticipates that thisheating modulation may occur as a result of preprogrammed cycles withinthe overall control system architecture defined by the presentinvention.

One skilled in the art will recognize that while six power settings havebeen defined in FIG. 24 (2400), the present invention is not necessarilylimited to these particular settings and that a wide variety of powersettings are possible using the present invention teachings.

Exemplary Control System (25001

The present invention may in some preferred embodiments incorporate acontrol system as generally depicted in FIG. 25 (2500). In thispreferred exemplary embodiment the user/operator (2501) interacts with ahardware interface control panel (2511) that permits a number of‘recipes’ to be defined (2512) in which the dwell time and/or heatintensity of the drive shaft are controlled. These predefined recipesmay later be selected for execution (2513) via the user interfacecontrol panel (2511) under control of a microprocessor/microcontroller(2514) running software/firmware retrieved from a computer readablemedium. Storage for the dwell time/heating recipes may include a varietyof forms of non-volatile storage (2515) well known to those in theelectrical arts. The storage/selection of recipes from the recipe memory(2515) by the microprocessor/microcontroller (2514) will by necessity bedetermined by the specific memory technology used in each applicationinstance.

Once stored (2516) in the recipe memory (2515), a given recipe may beselected (2517) for execution (2518) by an induction heating/dwelltiming process (2519) that heats the driveshaft using a specifiedinduction heating sequence and dwells (spins) the driveshaft using adefined rotational program. Once the preprogrammed heating/dwellsequence is completed, a post-processing end-of-cycle safety cooldownsequence (2520) may be executed to ensure that the heat stored in thedriveshaft is properly dissipated into the slurry and does not present ahazard to the operator (2501) who may touch the shaft after thepreprogramed cycle is complete. While the cooldown period may varywidely based on application context, some preferred exemplary inventionembodiments may utilize approximately a 3-second cooldown period. Somepreferred embodiments may utilize a cooldown timer value that isdetermined based on the heating profile of the driveshaft, thuspermitting a variable cooldown period to be utilized.

The present invention anticipates that the recipe memory (2515) mayincorporate both user-defined (2501) recipes that have been programmedusing the user interface control panel (2511) as well as a variety of‘pre-defined’ recipes that are factory-stored within themicroprocessor/microcontroller (2514) firmware and/or portions of thenon-volatile recipe memory (2515).

Arbitrarily Identified Recipes (2600)

Within the context of the system as described in FIG. 25 (2500), somepreferred invention embodiments may incorporate the capability to ‘tag’recipes with arbitrary identifiers (including but not limited to alphaand/or numeric identifiers) as generally depicted in FIG. 26 (2600).Here it can be seen that the recipe definition interface permits theuser (2601) to map the heat intensity/dwell time recipe definition(2612) to an associated customized identifier (2622). This identifier(for example) could be alphanumeric and entered on a touch screen orother display device as a user selection data entry option. Oncedefined, the associated recipe definition could be selected (2623) usingthe same customized identifier. The association of the customized recipeidentifier would typically be incorporated within the recipe memory(2615) as depicted here by using an identifier to data array mappingfunction processed by the microprocessor/microcontroller (2614).

This exemplary embodiment using customized recipe identifiers permits alarger number of recipes to be stored than would normally be possibleusing just a simple 1-10 selection keypad for example. Additionally,this methodology allows a conventional keypad entry device (2611) toincorporate preprogrammed ‘favorite’ recipes that provide a display ofthe recipe identifier to ensure that the operator (2601) has selectedthe proper recipe for the mixing operation that is to be executed. Themapping of keypad entries to recipe identifiers (2625) may beaccomplished in a variety of ways, with a preferred implementation usinga mapping function within a subset of the recipe memory (2615).

Preferred Embodiment Control Method (2700,2800)

The present invention control system described above may employ apreferred exemplary beverage mixing user control interface method asdescribed in FIG. 27 (2700) and a heating/dwell cycle recipe executionmethod as described in FIG. 28 (2800), wherein these embodiment methodscomprise the following steps:

-   -   (1) accepting user input from a keyboard or control panel        (2701);    -   (2) determining if a recipe definition is to be performed, and        if not., proceeding to step (5) (2702);    -   (3) defining a recipe by entering an (optional) recipe        identifier, the desired heating level, and the dwell tine        (2703);    -   (4) storing the defined recipe in the recipe memory and        proceeding to step (1) (2704);    -   (5) determining if a recipe directory function is selected, and        if so, proceeding to step (8) (2705);    -   (6) determining if a keypad (favorite) recipe has been selected,        and if so, proceeding to step (10) (2706);    -   (7) entering manual heat/dwell settings from a user interface        and proceeding to step (11) (2707); and    -   (8) scrolling and/or displaying recipe memory to allow user        selection of a stored recipe program configuration (2708);    -   (9) determining if a pre-stored recipe has been selected, and if        not, proceeding to step (8) (2709);    -   (10) retrieving heat/dwell settings for a selected recipe from        the recipe memory (2710);    -   (11) loading a dwell countdown timer with the dwell time for the        mixing operation (2811);    -   (12) starting the dwell countdown timer (2812);    -   (13) activating the rotational driver (2813);    -   (14) determining if the dwell timer has elapsed, and if so,        proceeding to step (19) (2814);    -   (15) loading the heat control duty cycle/heading profile        information from the recipe memory (2815);    -   (16) determining if the heating control is to be based on static        duty-cycle modulation, and if not, proceeding to step (18)        (2816);    -   (17) modulating the induction coil pulses based on a static duty        cycle value retrieved from recipe memory and proceeding to        step (14) (2817);    -   (18) modulating the induction coil pulses based on a heating        profile indexed to the dwell countdown timer and proceeding to        step (14) (2818);    -   (19) stopping the rotational driver (2819);    -   (20) loading a cooldown countdown timer with the cooldown time        for the driveshaft (2820);    -   (21) starting the cooldown countdown timer (2821);    -   (22) determining if the cooldown countdown timer has elapsed,        and if not, proceeding to step (22) (2822);    -   (23) returning to step (1) to await new user input from the        keyboard/control panel.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.

Exemplary Recipe Control Scenarios

While the present invention may incorporate a variety of recipe controlcombinations, several examples may be useful in understanding how thesemay work together to achieve a desirable mixing outcome. In general, agiven recipe may incorporate a desired heating value as well as a dwelltime for which the mechanical driver is activated to rotate themechanical agitator (mixing blade, etc.).

PWM Heating Control

The heating duty cycle values may take on a variety of values, but mayin some cases be pulse width modulated (PWM) to achieve gradations ofheating within the driveshaft. For example, six different heating levelscan be achieved by utilizing a PWM scenario where LEVEL1=1 cycle ON(representing a low heat setting), 5 cycles OFF through LEVEL6=6 cyclesON, 0 cycles OFF (representing a high heat setting). The computingdevice counts and keeps track of the cycles output to the inductive coilin these scenarios and thus may directly set the driveshaft heatingbased on these parameters.

Within the context of the present invention, this form of PWM heatingcontrol may be static (as in the use of a fixed PWM heating value duringactivation of the rotational driver) or dynamic (as in the case wherethe PWM value is a function of time (and/or some other variable) duringactivation of the rotational driver).

Exemplary Recipe Map

While a variety of heating values/dwell timing values can be achievedwith the present invention, an example of a set of user-programed (orpre-programmed) combinations might include the following:

Recipe Index Dwell Time Heat Control (keypad #) (s) (%) 1 45 50 2 60 503 60 66 4 60 83 5 60 100 6 75 50 7 75 83 8 75 100 9 90 66 10 90 100

One skilled in the art will recognize that this table is only exemplaryof the possible heating/dwell time combinations that, may be used withthe present invention. Additionally, as noted before, this table may beaugmented with a mandatory cooldown cycle time with the heat control setto 0% to permit heat present in the driveshaft to dissipate into theslurry. This safety feature prevents the operator from being burned dueto an excessively hot driveshaft.

Rotational Driver Speed/Temperature Feedback (2900,3000)

It is anticipated that the present invention when applied to the mixingof frozen beverages may in some circumstances be configured with adriveshaft shaft sensor (2908) comprising a rotational driver speedsensor and/or temperature sensor as generally depicted in FIG. 29(2900). In these circumstances the induction coil (2903) when excited bythe coil stimulator (2905) under control of the computing device (2906)will heat the driveshaft (2902) and by conduction the mechanicalagitator (2904) and the product slurry (2912) within the productcontainer (2911). The product slurry (2912) will change (lower) inviscosity during this heating process, and thus present a varyingfrictional load (drag) on the mechanical agitator (2904) as if isrotated by the driveshaft (2902). This varying frictional load (drag) istransferred to the rotational driver (2901), which may vary inrotational speed based on this varying frictional load.

Speed Sensor

The invention embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 29 (2900) may utilize ashaft sensor (2908) comprising a rotational speed sensor that determinesthe rotational speed of the driveshaft (2902) to determine the varyingfrictional load presented by the product slurry (2912) and thus byinference the variation in product slurry (2912) viscosity.Differentials in the measured rotational speed of the driveshaft (2902)as measured by the shaft sensor (2908) can then be used to determine thepoint, at which the product slurry (2912) is sufficiently fluid (byvirtue of the heat transferred to the product slurry (2912) by thedriveshaft (2912) via the induction coil (2903).

example of this behavior is generally illustrated by the graph of FIG.30 (3000), wherein the X-axis represents dwell time and the Y-axisrepresents relative product slurry viscosity ranging from solid (3001)to liquid (3002) with an arbitrarily selected target (3003) viscosityobtained at a normalized time of (T=1). As the fluid viscosity changesfrom solid (3001) to liquid (3002) through the target viscosity point(3003), the load on the rotational driver will decrease due to reducedfriction with the slurry and there will be a measureable differential,in driveshaft rotation speed (3004) that can be used to estimate thecutoff point at which the optimum product slurry viscosity (3003) isreached. One skilled in the art will recognize that the derivative ofthe rotational speed may be calculated by the computing device and thiscomputed value may in some circumstances be sufficient to determine thepoint in time where the desired product slurry viscosity has beenreached and the rotational driver can be deactivated. In other instancesit may be sufficient to detect a change in absolute or relativedriveshaft speed to determine the target point of optimal product slurryviscosity (3003).

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of shaft sensors (2908)may be used in this application, including but not limited to opticalsensors (such as an OPTEK OPB760), Hail effect sensors, and magneticpickup sensors. One skilled in the art will recognize that, a widevariety of rotational speed sensors may be used in this application.

Infrared Feedback Control

The present invention also anticipates that the driveshaft (2902) may bemonitored using a shaft sensor (2908) comprising an infrared temperaturesensor to determine the actual temperature of the driveshaft. (2902) asit is heated by the induction coil (2903). This temperature feedbackinformation may then be used to modify the dwell time and/or driveshaftheating to optimize the mixing of the beverage. For example, a largerbeverage container with more beverage slurry will generally require moreheat and/or more dwell time to obtain the proper viscosity.

The use of a temperature sensor (2908) in these situations may produce amore optimal beverage product. Furthermore, the use of a temperaturesensor may permit heating profiles to be more optimally utilized,wherein the heat induced into the driveshaft (2902) is initially at avery high level (to overcome the thermal mass of the driveshaft) andthen dropped in intensity as the driveshaft (2902) temperaturestabilizes to an acceptable value. This temperature measurement featurealso permits different beverage products to be processed with a singlemachine with the assurance that the beverage products will not beoverheated by the thermally induced driveshaft.

While a wide variety of IR temperature sensor products may be applicablein various invention embodiments, the use of products such as the TexasInstruments TMP006 or the MELEXIS MLX90614 may be suitable in someembodiment applications.

Rotational Load Sensor Feedback Control (3100,3200)

As generally depicted in FIG. 31 (3100), the present invention alsoanticipates that the speed of the rotational driver may be determinedindirectly through the use of a rotational load sensor (3109). Thisrotational load sensor (3109) may take many forms, but generally servesto monitor the instantaneous current and/or power consumed by therotational driver (3101). This current/power monitor (3109) may then beused to determine variations in the load presented to the motor via themechanical agitator/driveshaft combination. Generally speaking, as theviscosity of the beverage slurry decreases, the rotational driver loadwill decrease, resulting in a measurable load variation that may beequated to increases in mixing RPM and decreased beverage slurryviscosity.

As generally depicted in FIG. 31 (3100), a wide variety of rotationalload sensors (3109) may be used in this application, including but notlimited to shunt resistors (3111) in series with the rotational driver(3101) that are monitored for voltage drops that correspond toinstantaneous current draw by the rotational driver (3101), as well asinductive pickups (3112) which measure AC field intensity thatcorresponds to current draw by the rotational driver (3101).

A characteristic of this technique that makes it amenable to use as ametric of beverage viscosity is the fact that the current/power drawn byan electric motor in this application is not linearly related to theload presented to the motor driveshaft. As generally depicted in thegraph of FIG. 32 (3200), the graph of motor current drawn vs. motorshaft load (3201) indicates an example of this nonlinearity. Thisfeature of the load transfer function can be used by control software toselect a particular derivative in load current as the cessation pointfor mixing operations based on the desired beverage viscosity.

It should be noted that because the mechanical agitator attached to thedriveshaft acts as a ‘fan’ within the context of the beverage slurry,the power required to affect rotation of the driveshaft will beproportional to the CUBE of the driveshaft rotational velocity RPM asgenerally depicted by the power vs. RPM graph (3202) and per theequation:

$\begin{matrix}{{\frac{P_{1}}{P_{2}} = \lbrack \frac{N_{1}}{N_{2}} \rbrack^{3}}{where}{P \equiv {{power}\mspace{14mu} {consumption}\mspace{14mu} (W)}}{N \equiv {{rotational}\mspace{14mu} {speed}\mspace{14mu} ( {R\; P\; M} )}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

Thus, the current curve (3201) depicted in FIG. 32 (3200) will beconsiderably more pronounced if translated into POWER consumption of therotational driver as related to RPM speed of the rotational driver. Thisincreased derivative curvature value associated with rotational driverpower consumption can be used to determine an appropriate dwell timestopping point by experimentally determining the derivative at anoptimal product slurry viscosity (as depicted in FIG. 30 (3003)) andthen targeting this derivative as a point for cessation of mixing by therotational driver.

It should be noted that the use of the cooldown timer as discussedelsewhere herein permits ‘shedding’ of excess heat induced within thedriveshaft and mechanical agitator into the beverage slurry during thecooldown period. It is anticipated within the scope of the presentinvention that this cooldown period may be accounted for in thecalculation of the proper dwell time (or point at which rotationaldriver activation is ceased) such that this cooldown heat transferresults in a beverage of desired viscosity when the cooldown period isterminated.

Induction Coil Modulation Techniques

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of modulationtechniques may be used to stimulate the induction coil to induce andmodulate the heat generated within the driveshaft. These include but arenot limited to the following:

-   -   Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) where the width of pulses within a        pulse train is varied;    -   Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) wherein the frequency of the        pulses is modulated to a frequency below/at/above the resonant        frequency of the LC tank comprising the induction coil;    -   Pulse Train Duty Cycle Modulation (PTDSM) wherein the pulse        train is fixed in composition but gated on and off to        effectively modulate the “ON” time of the induction coil.        One skilled in the art will no doubt recognize that these        techniques may be used in combination in some applications and        that other induction coil modulation techniques are also        possible and within the scope of the present invention.

Preferred Exemplary Embodiments Overview

The overall aim of the present invention is to reduce mixing times forfrozen or near frozen state beverages (product slurries such as milkshakes) by coupling both mechanical (stirring) energy into the beverageslurry product, as well as thermal heat by way of infrared energy thatis both conducted into the beverage slurry and optically focused oraimed on the beverage slurry product.

Within this context a typical rotational driver may use an electricmotor, with an endshaft that is mechanically attached to mechanicalcoupler with hardware such as a Torx keyway, Woodruff spline, etc., soas to prevent shaft slippage. The mechanical coupler may comprisepolymeric construction to specifically include materials such asDELRIN®, TEFLON®, TORLON®, VESPEL® brand or similar high temperatureplastics. The mechanical coupler is selected to have poor thermalconductivity, and deters heat from the mechanical drive shaft from beingconductively transferred to the rotational driver and causing damage tothe internal bearings or motor windings of the rotational driver.

The driveshaft typically comprises copper and is chosen for its highthermal conductivity. The driveshaft receives rotational energy from therotational driver, and is mechanically coupled to the rotational driverby the mechanical coupler. A portion of the copper drive shaft isconfigured with a heatsink (typically painted or coated black at anexposed section) that is not covered by or immersed in the top of thebeverage slurry being mixed. The heatsink (black paint or coating)allows thermal infrared energy from an infrared (IR) heating source tobe efficiently absorbed by the mechanical drive shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the driveshaft comprises a solid copper shaftor rod having a ferromagnetic or ferrous iron slug fitted in a voidcreated within the top of the copper shaft. The ferromagnetic or ferrousiron slug is configured within the copper shaft so as to interact withthe induction coil. The induction coil generates an electromagneticfield which causes heat to develop in the slug. The heat developed inthe slug is transferred conductively to the copper drive shaft, whichtransfers the heat more efficiently to the slurry. The copper driveshaftin the preferred embodiment may be plated with a metal (e.g., nickel) orcoated with a polymer to serve as a deterrent to corrosion. Using asolid copper driveshaft is far more efficient in transferring heat thanpreviously disclosed driveshafts constructed of SS430, copper platedsteel/iron, and copper/nickel plated steel/iron. Whereas steel/iron hasa coefficient of thermal conductivity of 36-43 and stainless steel has acoefficient of thermal conductivity of 16-24, steel, solid copper has acoefficient of thermal conductivity of 111. Thus, heat generated in theslug is able to transfer much more efficiently from the slug to theslurry in the preferred embodiment of the driveshaft.

An optional heating source may comprise an infrared heating source thatallows the beverage slurry contained in the mixing container to receivethermal energy not only from the heated drive shaft, but also byabsorption of directed infrared radiation from the optional heatingsource.

Exemplary Manual System Embodiment (3400)-(4800)

While the beverage mixing system may take many forms, a preferredexemplary embodiment utilizing manual controls is presented in FIG. 33(3300)—FIG. 48 (4800). As generally depicted in the sectional view ofFIG. 45 (4500), the beverage mixing system comprises a mechanicalrotational driver (MRD) (4501), mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD)(4502), mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) (4503), horizontal infraredheating source (IHS) (4504), and an optional infrared irradiation source(IIS) (4505).

The infrared heating source (IHS) (4504) depicted incorporates ahorizontal heat lamp infrared heating source (IHS) (4504) configured asa halogen lamp. Control functions for the mechanical rotational driver(MRD) (4501) electric motor, horizontal infrared heating source (IHS)(4504) heater, and the optional, infrared irradiation source (IIS)(4505) are provided for via a manual control switch panel (4506) thatincorporates switch controls for MOTOR, HEATER, LAMP, and EMERGENCY STOPfunctions. Electrical power for the system is provided by a conventionalpower cord (4507). A baseplate (4508) provides structural support forthe system.

Exemplary Automated System Embodiment (4900)-(6400)

While the beverage mixing system may take many forms, an alternatepreferred exemplary embodiment utilizing automated computerized controlsis presented in FIG. 49 (4900)—FIG. 64 (6400). As generally depicted inthe sectional view of FIG. 61 (6100), the beverage mixing systemcomprises a mechanical rotational driver (MRD) (6101), mechanical mixingdriveshaft (MMD) (6102), mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) (6103),vertical infrared heating source (IHS) (6104), and an optional infraredirradiation source (IIS) (6105). As depicted in this example, thebeverage mixing container (6109) contains the beverage product slurrythat is stirred by the mechanical mixing agitator (MMA) (6103).

The infrared heating source MHS) (6104) depicted incorporates a verticalheat lamp infrared heating source (IHS) (6104) configured as a halogenlamp. Control functions for the mechanical rotational driver (MRD)(6101) electric motor, vertical infrared heating source (IHS) (6104)heater, and the optional infrared irradiation source (IIS) (6105) areprovided for via a computerized control panel (6106) that incorporatescontrols for MOTOR, ON, OFF, PROGRAM SELECT, RUN, and EMERGENCY STOPfunctions. Electrical power for the system is provided by a conventionalpower cord (6107). A baseplate (6108) provides structural support forthe system.

As can be seen by the front system view of FIG. 49 (4900), the controlpanel (4910) provides manual switches to enable ON (4911) and OFF (4912)power functions and a PROGRAM SELECT FUNCTION (4913), and a RUN/OPERATE(4914) function. The ON (4911) and OFF (4912) power functionsenable/disable electrical power to the system. Once power is supplied tothe system, the PROGRAM SELECT FUNCTION (4913) allows one of severaloperational mixing modes to be selected and/or programmed into thesystem. Once a given mixing mode is selected/programmed via use of thePROGRAM SELECT FUNCTION (4913), the RUN/OPERATE (4914) control activatesthe selected/programmed mixing mode. Indication of theselected/programmed MIXING MODE (4915) is provided by one or moreindicators (4916) on the control panel. It is anticipated that thecomputerized control functions detailed herein will be implemented usinga microprocessor and/or microcontroller on a printed circuit board (PCB)in electrical communication with the switches and indicators describedabove.

Exemplary MMD Heatsink Embodiments (6500)-(7200)

While the mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD) may take many forms,several exemplary assembly views are presented in FIG. 65 (6500)—FIG. 72(7200). These views depict various MMD embodiments that are augmentedwith a heatsink to enable enhanced heat, transfer from the infraredheating source (IHS) to the MMD shaft and beverage product being mixed.

FIG. 65 (6500)—FIG. 66 (6500) depict a scenario in which a portion ofthe MMD includes a heatsink (6501, 6601) comprising a surface coating onthe MMD or equivalently a painted surface on the MMD that is used tocollect infrared radiation from the infrared heating source (IHS).

Infrared radiation collection by the MMD may be enhanced via the use ofa variety of cylindrical sleeves that are attached to the MMD asdepicted in FIG. 67 (6700)—FIG. 72 (7200). FIG. 67 (6700)—FIG. 63 (6800)depict a scenario in which a heatsink (6701, 6801) comprising a solidcylindrical sleeve is attached to the MMD to collect infrared radiationfrom the infrared heating source (IHS). This additional surface areapermits additional infrared radiation to be transmitted to the MMD. FIG.69 (6900)—FIG. 70 (7000) is a variant of this configuration in which theheatsink (6901, 7001) comprises a vertically grooved cylindrical sleevehaving a peripheral outer diameter larger than that of the MMD. FIG. 71(7100)—FIG. 72 (7200) is a variant of this configuration in which theheatsink (7101, 7201) comprises a helically grooved cylindrical sleevehaving a peripheral cuter diameter larger than that of the MMD. Thehelically grooved cylindrical sleeve may be configured such that thehelix generates a fan-like action and forces air heated by the heatsinkdownward to make contact with the beverage product thus enhancing heattransfer from the HIS to the beverage product.

One skilled in the art will recognize that these are only several ofmany heatsink variants that are possible t.o improve heat transfer tothe MMD by the IHS. While the heatsink in these examples has been shownto be a separate component of the MMD assembly, it can in someembodiments be directly incorporated into the construction of the MMDshaft. The cylindrical sleeve heatsinks depicted are typically attachedto the MMD via the use of a setscrew or other fastener.

Exemplary Horizontal IHS Construction (7300)-(8000)

Exemplary construction of a horizontal infrared heating source (IHS) isgenerally depicted in FIG. 73 (7300)—FIG. 80 (8000). As generallydepicted in the sectional view of FIG. 74 (7400), this exemplaryhorizontal IHS embodiment consists of a heat shield (7401) enclosing aninternally reflective symmetrical two-piece clamshell (7402, 7403) thatencloses a halogen lamp (7404) and internal, directional reflector(7405). An aperture (7406) in the internally reflective clamshell (7402,7403) encircles the MMD and its associated MMD heatsink and permitsinfrared radiation from the halogen lamp (7404) to be directed onto theMMD either directly or via the MMD heatsink.

The horizontally oriented halogen lamp (7404) may be retained using anumber of techniques known to those skilled in the art including apreferred ceramic receptacle incorporating stainless steel hightemperature hardware. As the heat generated by the halogen lamp (7404)is sufficient to cause skin burning, a heat shield (7401) is generallyrequired to enclose the internally reflective clamshell (7402, 7403) toprevent operator injury during use of the beverage mixing apparatus.Furthermore, it should be noted that heated air generated by the halogenlamp (7404) contained within the internally reflective clamshell (7402,7403) may be directed downward along the outer surface of the MMD ontothe beverage product by use of any number of helically-grooved heatsinkembodiments that act as a fan to direct heated air within the internallyreflective clamshell (7402, 7403) downward and onto the beverageproduct. Typical power dissipation by the halogen lamp (7404) in thisconfiguration is anticipated to be in the range of 300 watts to 500watts as a conventional 118 mm halogen lamp may be used in thishorizontal configuration.

Exemplary Vertical IHS Construction (8100)-(8800)

Exemplary construction of a vertical infrared heating source (IHS) isgenerally depicted in FIG. 81 (8100)—FIG. 88 (8800). As generallydepicted in the sectional view of FIG. 82 (8200), this exemplaryvertical IHS embodiment consists of a heat shield (8201) enclosing aninternally reflective symmetrical two-piece clamshell (8202, 8203) thatencloses a halogen lamp (8204) and internal directional reflector(8205). An aperture (8206) in the internally reflective clamshell (8202,8203) encircles the MMD and its associated MMD heatsink and permitsinfrared radiation from the halogen lamp (8204) to be directed onto theMMD either directly or via the MMD heatsink.

The vertically oriented halogen lamp (8204) may be retained using anumber of techniques known to those skilled in the art including apreferred ceramic receptacle incorporating stainless steel hightemperature hardware. As the heat generated by the halogen lamp (8204)is sufficient to cause skin burning, a heat shield (8201) is generallyrequired to enclose the internally reflective clamshell (8202, 8203) toprevent operator injury during use of the beverage mixing apparatus.Furthermore, it should be noted that heated air generated by the halogenlamp (8204) contained within the internally reflective clamshell (8202,8203) may be directed downward along the outer surface of the MMD ontothe beverage product by use of any number of helically-grooved heatsinkembodiments that act as a fan to direct heated air within the internallyreflective clamshell (8202, 8203) downward and onto the beverageproduct. Typical power dissipation by the halogen lamp (8204) in thisconfiguration is anticipated to be in the range of 150 watts to 300watts as a conventional 78 mm halogen lamp may be used in this verticalconfiguration.

Exemplary IIS Construction (8900)-(9600)

Exemplary construction of an infrared irradiation source (IIS)configured to irradiate a beverage product in a mixing container i3generally depicted in FIG. 39 (8900)—FIG. 96 (9600). As generallydepicted in the sectional view of FIG. 90 (9000), this exemplaryhorizontal IHS embodiment consists of a heat shield (9001) enclosing areflector (9002) that encloses an infrared lamp (9003). Infraredradiation emitted from the infrared lamp (9003) and reflected infraredradiation from the reflector (9002) are both directed toward thebeverage product in the mixing container to directly impart heat intothe beverage product.

The infrared lamp (9003) may be retained, using a number of techniquesknown to those skilled in the art including a preferred embodimentEdison E26 screw socket (9004) which allows a wide variety of heatinglamps to be used in this application. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the heat shield (9001) and/or reflector (9002) may bemodified to accommodate the specific infrared lamp (9003)configurations.

Preferred Embodiment System Summary

The present invention preferred exemplary system embodiment anticipatesa wide variety of variations in the basic theme of construction, but canbe generalized as a beverage mixing system comprising:

-   -   (a) mechanical rotational driver (MRD);    -   (b) mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD);    -   (c) mechanical mixing agitator (MMA); and    -   (d) infrared heating source (IHS);    -   wherein:    -   the MRD is mechanically coupled to and configured to rotate the        MMD;    -   the MMD is mechanically coupled to the MMA;    -   the MMA is configured to mix or blend a beverage product within        a mixing container;    -   the IHS is configured to optically heat the MHD.

This general system summary may be augmented by the various elementsdescribed herein to produce a wide variety of invention embodimentsconsistent with this overall design description.

Preferred Embodiment Method Summary

The present invention preferred exemplary method embodiment anticipatesa wide variety of variations in the basic theme of implementation, butcan be generalized as a beverage mixing method comprising:

-   -   (1) mechanically coupling a mechanical rotational driver (MRD)        to a mechanical mixing driveshaft (MMD);    -   (2) mechanically coupling the MMD to a mechanical mixing        agitator (MMA);    -   (3) activating an infrared heating source (IHS) to optically        heat the MMD and by conduction heating the MMA; and    -   (4) activating the MRD to rotate the heated MMA within a        beverage product placed in a container to modify the beverage        product viscosity and proceeding to the step (3) until a desired        beverage product viscosity is reached.        One skilled In the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.

System/Method Variations

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of variations in thebasic theme of construction. The examples presented previously do notrepresent the entire scope of possible usages. They are meant to cite afew of the almost limitless possibilities.

This basic system and method may be augmented with a variety ofancillary embodiments, including but not limited to:

-   -   An embodiment wherein the MMD comprises a material selected from        a group consisting of: ferromagnetic steel; ferromagnetic        stainless steel; SS430 stainless steel; copper plated metal;        copper plated steel; and copper-over-nickel plated steel.    -   An embodiment wherein the MMD comprises a heatsink configured to        absorb infrared radiation from the HIS, the heatsink selected        from a group consisting of: a surface coating on the MMD; a        painted surface on the MMD; a solid cylindrical sleeve having a        peripheral outer diameter larger than that of the MMD; a        vertically grooved cylindrical sleeve having a peripheral outer        diameter larger than that of the MMD; and a helically grooved        cylindrical sleeve having a peripheral outer diameter larger        than that of the MMD.    -   An embodiment wherein the IHS comprises a halogen lamp.    -   An embodiment wherein the IHS comprises a halogen lamp contained        within a light-focusing enclosure (LFE) that encircles the MMD,        the LFE configured to concentrate infrared radiation emitted        from the halogen lamp onto the MMD.    -   An embodiment wherein the IHS comprises a halogen lamp contained        within a light-focusing enclosure (LFE) that encircles the MMD,        the LFE configured to concentrate infrared radiation emitted        from the halogen lamp onto the MMD, and the LFE configured to        direct some infrared radiation emitted from the halogen lamp        onto the beverage product.    -   An embodiment wherein the IHS comprises a halogen lamp contained        within a light-focusing enclosure (LFE) that encircles the MMD,        the LFE configured to concentrate infrared radiation emitted        from the halogen lamp onto the MMD, and the LFE comprising a        protective heat shield (PHS) configured to prevent physical        operator contact with the LFE.    -   An embodiment wherein the system further comprises an infrared        irradiation source (IIS) configured to irradiate the beverage        product.    -   An embodiment wherein the MMD is attached to the MRD with a        mechanical shaft coupler (MSC), the MSC comprising a thermally        insulating material (TIM) further comprising recessed cavities        that mate with corresponding projections in an endshaft of the        MRD and an endshaft of the MMD, each of the recessed cavities        having a shape independently selected from a group consisting        of: cylindrical shaft; spline shaft; TORX® shaft; regular        polyhedron shaft profile; and WOODRUFF-style keyed shaft        profile.    -   An embodiment wherein the TIM is selected from a group        consisting of: TEFLON® brand polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)        (synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene); TORLCN® brand        polyamide-imide (PAI) (a reaction product of trimellitic        anhydride and aromatic diamines); VESPEL® brand polyimide        plastic; and DELRIN® brand polyoxymethylene (POM) (also known as        acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde).

One skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments arepossible based on combinations of elements taught within the aboveinvention description.

Generalized Computer Usable Medium

In various alternate embodiments, the present invention may beimplemented as a computer program product for use with a computerizedcomputing system. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatprograms defining the functions defined by the present invention can bewritten in any appropriate programming language and delivered to acomputer in many forms, including but not limited to: (a) informationpermanently stored on non-writeable storage media (e.g., read-onlymemory devices such as ROMs or CD-ROM disks); (b) information alterablystored on writeable storage media (e.g., floppy disks and hard drives);and/or (c) information conveyed to a computer through communicationmedia, such as a local area network, a telephone network, or a publicnetwork such as the Internet. When carrying computer readableinstructions that implement the present invention methods, such computerreadable media represent alternate embodiments of the present invention.

As generally illustrated herein, the present invention systemembodiments can Incorporate a variety of computer readable media thatcomprise computer usable medium having computer readable code meansembodied therein. One skilled in the art will recognize that thesoftware associated with the various processes described herein can beembodied in a wide variety of computer accessible media from which thesoftware is loaded and activated. Pursuant to In re Beauregard, 35USPQ2d 1383 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,578), the present invention anticipatesand includes this type of computer readable media within the scope ofthe invention. Pursuant to In re Nui{acute over (j)}ten, 500 F.3d 1346(Fed. Cir. 2007) (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/211,928), thepresent invention scope is limited to computer readable media whereinthe media is both tangible and non-transitory.

CONCLUSION

A beverage mixing system/method allowing faster mixing/blending offrozen beverages has been disclosed. The system/method in variousembodiments utilizes inductive coupling to introduce heat into thefrozen beverage during the mixing/blending process via a rotatingdriveshaft and attached mechanical agitator to speed the mixing/blendingprocess. Exemplary embodiments may be configured to magnetically induceheat into the driveshaft and/or mechanical agitator mixing blade toaffect this mixing/blending performance improvement. This heating effectmay be augmented via the use of high power LED arrays aimed into thefrozen slurry to provide additional heat input. The system/method may beapplied with particular advantage to the mixing of ice cream typebeverages and other viscous beverage products.

1. A driveshaft for a beverage mixing system comprising: a solid coppershaft containing a ferromagnetic or ferrous iron slug within a voidformed within said driveshaft, said slug configured to interact with aninduction coil when said induction coil is electrically driven togenerate heat and by conduction heat said driveshaft.
 2. The driveshaftfor the beverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein said void is formedin a first end of said driveshaft and a mechanical agitator is coupledto a second opposing end of said driveshaft.
 3. The driveshaft for thebeverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein said void has a shape that iscomplementary to the shape of said slug.
 4. The driveshaft for thebeverage mixing system of claim 3, wherein said void and slug arecylindrically shaped.
 5. The driveshaft for the beverage mixing systemof claim 1, wherein said copper shaft is metal plated.
 6. The driveshaftfor the beverage mixing system of claim 5, wherein said copper shaft isnickel plated.
 7. The driveshaft for the beverage mixing system of claim1, wherein said copper shaft is polymer coated. 8-52. (canceled)
 53. Thedriveshaft for the beverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein said slugonly fills a portion of said void.
 54. The driveshaft for the beveragemixing system of claim 53, wherein a remaining portion of said void notfilled with said slug is filled with a metal or polymeric material thatthermally insulates said driveshaft.
 55. The driveshaft for the beveragemixing system of claim 54, wherein said polymeric material comprises ahigh temperature plastic.
 56. The driveshaft for the beverage mixingsystem of claim 54, wherein said thermally insulating polymeric materialis selected from a group consisting of: TEFLON®, TORLON®, VESPEL®, andDELRIN®.
 57. The driveshaft for the beverage mixing system of claim 1,wherein said slug entirely fills said void.
 58. The driveshaft for thebeverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein said driveshaft ismechanically coupled to said mechanical agitator.
 59. The driveshaft forthe beverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein said induction coil ismagnetically coupled to said driveshaft
 60. The driveshaft for thebeverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein the heat generated by theinduction coil is modulated within said slug using a modulationtechnique selected from a group consisting of: pulse width modulation;pulse frequency modulation; and pulse train duty cycle modulation. 61.The driveshaft for the beverage mixing system of claim 1, wherein saiddriveshaft is attached to a rotational driver with a mechanical coupler.